Tokyo Game Show 2025, Asia's premier gaming event, kicked off its four-day run on the 25th. With a heavy influx of Japanese titans alongside major players from China and Korea, the show is firmly cementing its status as the rival to Gamescom.

The event takes place from September 25th to 28th at the Makuhari Messe in Chiba. This year boasts a record-breaking scale, with exhibition space expanded by 25% and booth counts up by 28% to reach a staggering 4,159. Much of this growth is driven by Chinese developers eager to showcase their upcoming titles.

The event operates on a split schedule: the 25th and 26th are reserved for business, while the 27th and 28th open to the public. During these business days, the atmosphere is more about networking and deals than high-octane festivities, but the energy is expected to shift once the gates open to general gamers on the 27th.

Given its proximity to Korea, it is no surprise that a multitude of Korean developers and local agencies have set up shop here. In some ways, the presence feels even more substantial than at G-STAR. Unlike the 'global' focus often seen at Gamescom, the Korean contingent here has pivoted to suit the Japanese palate, leaning heavily into character-driven, anime-style, and subculture-focused titles—to the point where some feel more 'Japanese' than the local legends like Capcom or Konami.

Nexon and Netmarble are the clear standouts. Nexon returns with 'The First Descendant,' though with a twist: a collaboration with the iconic Japanese title 'Bayonetta.' Visitors can even get an up-close look at a life-sized hover bike replica, a new addition in Season 3.

Netmarble is making its first-ever solo booth debut, showcasing 'The Seven Deadly Sins: Origin' and 'Monster Guild: Star Dive.' With 52 demo stations and an adorable booth design featuring characters from both titles, they are pulling out all the stops. Spotting the giant Diane and the cute kitten mascot was a highlight.

Studio B-Side has decked out its booth to mirror the world of 'Star Saviour,' an RPG that recently opened its pre-registration. The aesthetic is heavily driven by the game's core cast of young heroines.

Chinese studios also brought plenty of flair. Level Infinite (Tencent) is highlighting 'Nikke' and 'Chasing Kaleido Rider,' while NetEase showcases 'Infinite,' Manjuu brings 'Azur Promilia,' and Hotta Studio presents 'Neverness to Everness.' While they have non-anime titles like 'Delta Force,' the star power is undeniably in their vibrant, anime-inspired character designs.

Japanese heavyweights were out in full force. SEGA grabbed attention with a massive booth for 'Yakuza Kiwami 3,' following their special broadcast. They also featured 'Sonic Racing Cross World,' while Atlus shared the space to show off 'Persona 3 Reload' for the Nintendo Switch 2.

Capcom doubled down on titles seen at Gamescom, including 'Pragmata' and 'Onimusha: The Way of the Sword.' Konami focused on 'Silent Hill f,' which launched on the 25th, while Bandai Namco brought its upcoming Digimon, Katamari, and Little Nightmares entries. Sony's corner, anchored by 'Ghost of Yotei,' sits alongside various PS5 titles. With EA showing 'Battlefield 6' and Square Enix presenting 'Octopath Traveler 0,' it is clear everyone is emptying their bag of tricks to prove they are still at the top of the game.